Article

Mauritania - Precautions to take during calls at the port of Nouakchott


published on 24 January 2023 53 -

Original Text by West P&I Club

 

The seaport of Nouakchott, Mauritania, is experiencing problems related to wind and swell, risks of grounding due to unreliable berth depths, harbour infrastructure damage claims, an acceptance of the vessel's draught survey figures and shortage claims.

From December through to March (the worst period of February and March), strong currents and swells affect vessels moored to the dry and tanker cargo berths as there is no breakwater protection. These conditions can cause vessels to leave the berth and proceed to anchorage until the weather improves.

Subsequently, the Master must perform a risk assessment and discuss with the Harbour Master whether it is safe for the vessel to enter and stay in the port with the forecasted weather condition during her call. Tugs are compulsory when entering the port, with two 900 hp and one 2026 hp tug available. However, if vessels are required to leave the port due to weather issues or require tug assistance to keep her alongside, reporting suggests that the tug assistance is minimal and will only stand by from a distance.

When alongside, the crew must regularly monitor the vessel's mooring arrangement and tend to the mooring lines as required in keeping with the current and forecasted weather conditions. The Master must perform a risk assessment to determine if additional mooring lines are needed to maintain the vessel safely remain alongside. In deteriorating weather conditions, the accommodation ladder should be closely monitored, with the crew considering raising the accommodation ladder to prevent any potential damage to the ladder and quayside structures.


Risk of grounding


The charted depths information of the port may be inaccurate, as evidenced by a recent case whereby a vessel was found aground at low tide at Berth No.3 even though her draughts were within the parameters of the berth depths.


We recommend:

 



During Inbound/Outbound Transits:




  • Request from the local protective agent the latest channel and berth depths and when these were last dredging and de-silting had occurred.

  • Obtain the latest information on the navigational situation from local port authorities and local agents before arrival/departure.

  • Comply with the maximum permissible sailing draught for the berth of destination/departure.

  • Prepare a detailed passage plan for the entire passage in advance and ensure that the bridge team reviews this, and the Master must approve it.

  • Additionally, tidal conditions should be reviewed from Admiralty Tide Tables and made part of the vessel's passage plan to determine available Under Keel Clearance (UKC) and currents that may affect the vessel.

  • Discuss and agree on the execution of the pilotage with the pilot during the Master/Pilot exchange.

  • Keep the speed of the vessel below the maximum permitted. Consider the effect of the vessel's speed on hull squat and the subsequent reduction on the vessel's UKC.

  • Check the echo sounder regularly, ensuring that the minimum set depth parameters allow sufficient time to react when the alarm sounds.

  • Closely monitor the pilot's instructions, always keeping in mind that the Master is responsible for the vessel's safe navigation, even with a pilot on the bridge. The bridge team should challenge any instructions contrary to the vessel's safety and, if necessary, take immediate action to ensure the vessel's safe passage.


Alongside the berth:




  • Acquire the tidal information for the entire duration of the vessel's stay, verify against the Admiralty Tide Tables, and have this information readily available/displayed.

  • Confirm on arrival and then routinely assess the berth's water depth and bottom composition using a lead line.

  • Monitor the vessel's draught, list and trim at regular intervals, especially during low-water tidal periods.

  • Regulate/control the list and trim of the vessel to maintain as close to an even keel profile as possible.

  • Check that the loading quantity and cargo distribution arrangements amongst the cargo holds allows full compliance with the maximum sailing draught and UKC requirements.


Berth condition


A reported tendency is for the Port Authority to present claims for existing damages to the port infrastructure where the vessel receives demands for payment of USD 5,000 for minor cracks to the berths and USD 15,000 for fender damage.


Consequently, to mitigate the potential exposure to such claims, the designated berthing area assigned to the vessel should undergo a joint inspection with the port's representative to establish the actual condition before the vessel arrives alongside.


Suppose damage does occur at the fault of Member's vessel. If damage does occur, we recommend that the crew take all necessary evidence-gathering methods, such as high-resolution photographs, measure the affected area, and estimate the damages. A surveyor may need to be appointed, and the local P&I representative can assist with all claim formalities with the port.



Mauritania
What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Pilots of the Veneto Estuary Port / Venezia

published on 18 February 2021

Found on YouTube. Created by "FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA PILOTI DEI PORTI". Originally pubished on 2021-02-18.

1

Video Extraordinary job for Danpilot (DK) - Drone Flight

published on 24 September 2021

Awesome video from Denmark

0

Video Tug Boat and Pilot in Sorong

published on 25 August 2022

0

Video AIMPA: In conversation with Capt Karanjikar, President

published on 2 February 2021

All India Marine Pilot Association has been formed by a Group of Mariners who care for ’safety and security’ of the Marine Pilots. Although a lot of our Indian seafarers felt the dire need of such a body, it was only after the unfortunate and untimely demise of Capt V P Gupta following his fall from the ladder on 8th August 2019, that pilots and like-minded individuals started expressing their displeasure about the 'Eco-system'. Capt. Virendra Mishra, C.E.O., The Shipping Tribune, had the...

0

Video Awesome Insight at Port Khalid: Pilotage & Ship Manoeuvres

published on 23 July 2022

This video shows us what all takes place during unmooring and pilotage operation in detail. Must watch for all.

0

Article A review of the ship’s pivot point: Science, Maths and Observation’ Where is the centre of a ship’s rotation?

by Tim Cummins, Harbour Pilot, Portsmouth International Port - published on 17 July 2020

This my attempt to do just that. This is a summary of all scientific papers and articles that I could find about the ship’s pivot point. I have added links to any videos associated with the publications and have also included any useful diagrams or equations that the authors published to help explain their research.

0

Article Jacobsen Pilot Service and Los Angeles Pilot Station publish notice to all ships

published on 15 August 2020

Jacobsen Pilot Service and Los Angeles Pilot Station published a notice to all ships to inspect pilot ladders before the pilot boards.

Reason is an incident happened at the port of long beach in July 2020. Pilot ladder rope broke while the pilot was on the ladder - luckily the pilot was able to hold on.

1

Article ABB to power first fully electric U.S. tugboat for maximum efficiency and zero-emission operations

published on 30 July 2021

ABB will deliver an integrated electric propulsion system and advanced vessel control technology for Crowley’s pioneering eWolf tug, built for sustainable and safe operations at the Port of San Diego.

1